Ever since her divorce, a Pontiac woman wanted to be able to stand on her own two feet by owning a house.

Habitat For Humanity made that dream come true for Vicky Benson and her family this past July, and that is what she is thankful for this Thanksgiving and holiday season.

"It was an awesome feeling, it was a blessing," said Benson, a Radiology Filmclerk at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester Hills. "I had tried several times in the past to get a habitat home and after I got divorced. I wanted to get on my own two feet -- it was a blessing."

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Benson has a daughter, a 3-year-old granddaughter and her fiancé's daughter who will also be enjoying the house, especially this holiday season.

For the first time, Benson will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for her family and friends in her own home. She used to live in an apartment, where it was too small.

Watch a report on the new home for a Pontiac woman during today's News at Noon.

"It's exciting, it really is," Benson said. "They get a chance to see how well I cook and just to have company there and be able to sit and relax in my home."

Tim Ruggles, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, said there have been 19 families in Oakland County placed in Habitat homes this year -- all in time for the holidays, which he says are a time for celebration for the families.

"(The homeowners feel) intense gratitude for having the opportunity to work with Habitat as a partner so they can have their children in a stable environment when children are involved," Ruggles said.

Benson's granddaughter loves the house and playing in the yard. The house allows for her to be loud, and not have to worry about the neighbors as much as in an apartment.

"It really means for me, ownership -- something I can honestly say is mine," Benson said. "I can have my grandbaby in the house ... and not disturb the neighbors (like in an apartment)."

The experience of getting a Habitat home varies, but it is usually a positive thing. The home provides a stable life for the homeowner and their family for years to come, Ruggles said.

They have achieved a huge milestone that is going to affect the rest of their life, Ruggles added.

Ruggles recently got in touch with the first Oakland County Habitat homeowner, whose life has positive since she got her home.

Doreen Marquis moved into her home several years ago, and it has allowed to children to receive college degrees, as well as herself.

A stable home is what allows people to reach their full potential, Ruggles said. Habitat provides a no profit mortgage and the homes are energy efficient -- which means lower utility bills.

There are many things Benson is thankful for this year, and the house has been greatly positive in her life.

"I'm thankful for my health insurance, still blessed to have my parents ... I'm thankful for this opportunity to actually have people at my house for Thanksgiving, something that has never been done," Benson said.

The Habitat for Humanity program has built and renovated more than158 homes in Oakland County for families. The program received at least 700 applications this year, and seven of those are on a waiting list.

All homeowners must put in 300 work hours when their house is being built or renovated.